September Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral species corundum. Sapphires occur in all colors of the rainbow with the exception of red, which is ruby. The name sapphire is derived from the word sapphiros, which was actually used for lapis lazuli in Roman times. Sapphires are commonly heated to improve color and reduce cloudiness that is caused by rutile inclusions. Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. Blue Sapphire is designated for the 15th wedding anniversary, golden sapphire for the 50th , while fancy sapphires (all colors except blue) are given for the 30th year. Today, sapphire is mined in Australia, Sir Lanka, and Thailand. Other producers are Burma, Kampuchea, Kenya, and Tanzania.